Mazda recalls 215,000 cars for steering issues
Mazda Motor Corp. has recalled 215,000 Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 sedans because they can experience a sudden loss of power steering while the car is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash, federal safety regulators said Tuesday.
Meanwhile, General Motors Co. said it was recalling about 243,000 sport utility vehicles to inspect the safety belts in the second row of seats. In some instances, the buckles on the seat belts are damaged in such a way that passengers believe they are latched in when they are not.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it has received at least 33 complaints alleging steering problems in the 2007 to 2009 model-year Mazda vehicles. The cars use an electric boost to the hydraulic power steering system that makes it easier to turn the vehicles. When the electric boost fails, it takes extra strength to maintain control, and according to the complaints, some drivers are unable to do so.
Three of the complaints alleged that the loss of steering control caused a crash. Mazda has previously warned its dealers to be on the lookout for power-steering-assist problems. Because Mazda is short of parts to fix the problem, some owners will be notified beginning Sept. 15, but others might not hear anything until February. Owners can contact Mazda at 800-222-5500 or the NHTSA at 888-327-4236.
